Tourist Attractions | Agra
Agra is a city in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state, is home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built for the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631. Set behind a reflecting pool inside a courtyard defined by 4 minarets, the imposing main building features a massive dome and intricately carved white marble inlaid with precious stones. The area of the state is about 188.4 km², population 1.275 million (2001) UNdata.
One of the celebrated traveler places close Taj Mahal in India is Agra Fort. Arranged close Taj Mahal, it was developed by the Emperor Akbar in the year 1565. Be that as it may, various increments were carried on in this fortification, till the season of Shah Jahan. An excellent sample of Mughal construction modeling made up of completely of red sandstone, it is additionally an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fatehpur Sikri built by Akbar, the Mughal emperor in 1570. The city was a tribute to Sufi Saint. Fatehpur Sikri is a perfect blend of Indian, Islamic and Persian architecture and it was built using red sandstone. The city has a 6kilometer long wall on three sides and there are towers and gates. It houses some of the city’s important buildings namely Buland Darwaza, Birbal’s House, Panch Mahal and Jama Masjid.
First Tomb of India’s to be made completely out of marble, Itmad-Ud-Daulah signals the beginning of new era in Mughal architecture. Until then, It was buildings of red sandstone. It was constructed during Jahangir’s period. The 21meter high tomb was constructed in memory of Mirza Ghiyas, who was the father-in-law of Jahangir. He was bestowed with the title Itmad-Ud-Daula, which means pillar of the state.
The Tomb of Akbar the Great is located in Sikandra, in the suburbs of Agra is an important Mughal architectural masterpiece, which was built between 1605-1613. Akbar himself commenced the construction of this tomb, according to Tartary tradition, which stated to commence the construction of one’s tomb during one’s lifetime. The South gate of this tomb is the largest with four white marble chhatri-topped minarets, similar to those of Taj Mahal. The buildings are constructed mainly from deep red sandstone.
